McCain must embrace Palin's beliefs, Tony Perkins says

[RamboLiberal]

Her faith is one of the reasons many evangelical Christians are excited about Sarah Palin's addition to the Republican presidential ticket, but the Alaska governor's evangelical beliefs have also drawn scrutiny.

Perkins sat down with CNN's John Roberts on Tuesday to discuss how the vice presidential pick's faith could influence the presidential election.

Roberts: For a couple of decades, she was a member of the Pentecostal Assembly of God church. Six years ago, she changed to the Wasilla Bible Church. I read an article in which one of her former pastors suggested may be playing down her faith because there may be some misunderstanding about her Pentecostalism. What do you think about all of this? Watch how faith could shape the 2008 vote »

Perkins: Obviously people, the polling data would suggest people want a leader or leaders that believe in God pray, and I think there's some sense that there's a greater accountability there. But I think the campaign, John, is at a critical point. John McCain made an incredible selection. He has turned around the campaign that I think was moving south, and there's enthusiasm, excitement and hope among social conservative voters.

But ... the next few days, next couple of weeks will be very critical because as you pointed out, her faith has become an issue. It's being attacked, being used as a weapon against her. People are watching. It will be very important how the McCain campaign handles this. If they become defensive and run from it and try to hide the fact that there is this element of faith, then I think it's going to turn off social conservatives, evangelicals, orthodox Christians.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/09/perkins.qa/index.html

[BeyondGeography]

1. I'm sure McCain is thrilled to hear that

:sarcasm:

[Overseas]

2. Maybe he should have a ceremony to be reborn in her faith. //nt

[Cassandra]

7. I've heard he hasn't been baptised yet.

Here's his big chance.

[Overseas]

9. Heeeeeaaaathen? Unbaptised? He'll be left behind? //eow

EOW = End of World.

[Shanti Mama]

3. Just read this on the site

I hope the far right turns against them when McCain tries to put her in the political center.

[otohara]

4. John McCain Made An Incredible Selection

no he didn't. Tony Perkins and friends made the selection and now are forcing McCain to swallow her fundie spew.

[Zenmaster]

5. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I agree

I wish/hope that's true, as embracing the fundies should turn off the independants.

But, I think just having Palin on the ticket is enough for the fundies, considering Obama is the alternative. They might grumble, but they'll turn out in big numbers, maybe even praying for McCain to croak early in his term.

McCain can keep her beliefs at arms length from himself to try and get the independant vote.

I hope he doesn't, but I think he can.

[tanyev]

6. Gosh, Tony, that sounds like a religious test for the presidency.

[Ichingcarpenter]

8. John McCain just threw snake eyes- her religion is now ostracizing

moderates and independents that might have considered Ridge or Lieberman.

Sure, 'the base' is motivated right now and that's the far right religious people like
Tony Perkins. She a shooting star that will fade into the night.